Misfueling preventing apparatus

Abstract

A misfueling preventing apparatus discriminates a fuel filler nozzle based on an outer diameter of the fuel filler nozzle. The misfueling preventing apparatus includes a base, a first link arm, a second link arm, a flapper and a stopper. The first link arm has a first trigger projection. The second link arm has a second trigger projection. If the fuel filler nozzle of light diesel oil pushes the first trigger projection and the second trigger projection, the first link arm and second link arm swing to a direction to which the first link arm and second link arm open to, placing the flapper in an openable state.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present disclosure relates to a misfueling preventing apparatus, which discriminates between a fuel filler nozzle for gasoline and a fuel filler nozzle for light diesel oil based on an outer diameter of a fuel filler nozzle to be inserted to a fuel filler port.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]An outer diameter of a fuel filler nozzle for fueling a light diesel oil (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “diesel nozzle”) is larger than outer diameter of a fuel filler nozzle for fueling gasoline (hereinafter, referred to as gasoline nozzle). Apparatuses preventing an operator from misfueling (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as “misfueling preventing apparatus”) which discriminate between the diesel nozzle and the gasoline nozzle are known. For example, the inventions disclosed in US 2012 / 0024422 A1, US 2011 / 0139779 A1, and WO 2010 / 113063 A1. These apparatuses discriminate a type of nozzle based on a diffe...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a misfueling preventing apparatus that can discriminate the outer diameter of a nozzle when inserting it into a fuel filler pipe. It achieves this by using an annular ring made of plastic that can elastically deform by being pressed with the nozzle. The deformation process reduces the mechanical strength and durability of the annular ring, leading to difficulty in functioning properly. A misfueling preventing apparatus is provided that can address this issue by integrating a trigger system that allows for smooth opening and closing of a valve without contacting the annular ring. Additionally, a flapper is included to prevent excessive load and damage due to overload. The apparatus includes an upper housing and base that are coupled together, making it easy to handle and install. A spacer can be added to accommodate variations in fuel filler pipe diameter, reducing manufacturing costs.

Problems solved by technology

However, known misfueling preventing apparatuses adapting the annular member as explained above has following defects.

In order to elastically deform the annular ring made of plastic, there is a limitation on a hardness of the annular ring.

This limitation results in lowering in a mechanical strength and lowering in a durability of the annular ring.

This results in a relaxation of stress of the annular ring with age.

This impairs a function of discriminating type of nozzle since a nozzle can open the flapper without contacting the annular ring.

The annular ring elastically deformed with a nozzle causes too much friction resistance when inserting the nozzle.

Therefore, a portion slidably contacting to the nozzle becomes long too, and generates large friction resistance between the nozzle.

This friction resistance is not overlooked when inserting the nozzle into the fuel filler port since it impairs an operational feeling of the nozzle when refueling.

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